Chiefs thwart champs
KAIZER CHIEFS (0) 1 Nange 76 MAMELODI SUNDOWNS (0) 1 Modiba 49
‘OPERATION
Take Over The Calabash’ didn’t go according to plan for champions Mamelodi Sundowns as they were held to a draw by Kaizer Chiefs in an exciting league encounter at a cold FNB Stadium last night.
In fact, the Brazilians were lucky to escape with a point as Keagan Dolly missed a penalty that could have sealed all three points for
Chiefs late in the game.
Chiefs, who had the better chances late in the game, will feel hard-done with the draw as their chances of qualifying for continental football next season also took a knock.
Chiefs remained fourth on the log with 43 points, two behind the third-placed Royal AM, who have a game in hand. Sundowns, meanwhile, have 62 points at the top of the league standings.
Although on course for a seventh successive barren season, Chiefs still uphold the values of sportsmanship as they created a nostalgic atmosphere before kick-off, giving the champions a guard of honour.
With the nearly 3 500 spectators that braved the chilly Calabash hoping that the two teams would produce a blockbuster encounter that would distract them from the freezing conditions they were not disappointed as both teams got out of the blocks fast.
Chiefs’ focal point relied on the famous ‘CBD’ (Leonardo Castro, Khama Billiat and Dolly) who made a name for themselves when they donned the yellow and green shirt of Sundowns many moons ago.
It was a member of this gang, Dolly, who was first to test the waters, the left-footer hitting the side netting after being put through by Castro.
Chiefs continued to surge forward, looking for the breakthrough.
But they were unlucky as Billiat also put his sliding effort wide after a curling pass in front of goal from Castro.
Chiefs dominated as far as taking shots at goal was concerned, with Cole Alexander also putting one a fraction wide, but the fruits of Sundowns’ patience were starting to burst into life midway the first half.
And that was when Sundowns’ real threat at goal really came as
Peter Shalulile rose high in the box, connecting with Aubrey Modiba’s cross as his bullet header forced a smart save from keeper Bruce Bvuma.
With no goals in the first half, Chiefs entertainment department unleashed Amapiano artist Sir Trill at half-time to keep the atmosphere up heading into the second half.
While Chiefs may have organised Sir Trill, it was Sundowns that produced the thrill early in the second half.
And boy was it special!
Khuliso Mudau unleashed a diagonal weighted pass that dipped towards that path of Aubrey Modiba, who fired a first time shot that sailed into the bottom corner to send the Brazilian faithful into a frenzy.
Sundowns continued to surge forward in search of a double as they made inroads in Chiefs’ final third, but they failed to get the better of the home side’s defence, which stood firm.
With Chiefs’ faithful looking downhearted, and the clock was winding down, they were resurrected by Phathutshedzo Nange’s piledriver that beat Reyaad Pieterse at his nearpost.
There was a nail-biting finish to the game, with Chiefs’ faithful cheering their team on with every foray, while the Brazilians faithful looked on in despair after losing their lead.
And that nearly paid off as Chiefs won a penalty after Kgaogelo Sekgota was fouled in the box.
Dolly took the responsibility, forcing Pieterse into a double save from the initial kick and rebound as the two teams shared the spoils.